After Shields' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, met with the Packers on Monday, the restricted free agent signed his one-year tender worth $2.023 million. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations on a long-term extension. For now, anyway, Shields, 25, will play on the one-year deal and rejoin the team at Tuesday's minicamp practice after skipping voluntary organized team activities.

It was smart for Shields to return to the practice field sooner rather than later. In this case of a restricted free agent seeking a multiyear deal, the team likely holds the most leverage. Nothing is guaranteed for the fourth-year pro at cornerback.

Green Bay remains confident in its top cover corner, Tramon Williams. The nerve damage in Williams' shoulder improved last season.

Second-year corner Casey Hayward led Green Bay in interceptions (six) and pass breakups (21), roaming from the slot cornerback spot. And before dislocating his shoulder last August, Davon House was making a strong push to start.

Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this off-season that "you could've made a point there the first three weeks of training camp, (House) might've been our best corner."

The Packers drafted Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde in the fifth round. Veteran Jarrett Bush returns. Maybe Shields is a starter in this lot, but the need was not pressing.

From the Packers' perspective, it does make sense to see how the cornerback situation plays out through minicamp and training camp before committing long-term to Shields. As it stands, he'll play this season out and become an unrestricted free agent next spring.

In addition to Shields, nose tackle B.J. Raji, tight end Jermichael Finley and wide receiver James Jones are all free agents after this season.

As Shields missed OTAs, the beat went on for Green Bay with Hayward starting opposite Williams. Don't be surprised if Green Bay sticks with that duo for now.